Ibobi calls Biren incompetent, malicious CM
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 11 2024:
Former chief minister Okram Ibobi described his successor N Biren incompetent in governance and slammed the incumbent chief minister for making baseless allegations against the Congress party.
He expressed shock over the CM's accusations, which he termed as attempts to deflect from his own failures.
Addressing the media at Congress Bhawan, here, on Tuesday, CLP leader Ibobi emphasised that the Congress party prefers not to engage in a war of words, especially given the current unrest situation in the state.
Nonetheless, he criticised the ruling party for slandering the Congress party with unfounded claims, particularly the allegation that the Congress signed an agreement with the Kuki for a Separate Administration.
Ibobi demanded CM Biren to provide evidence of such an agreement, be it signed at the national or state level.
He condemned the CM's statements as irresponsible and devilish, potentially exacerbating the ongoing crisis.
Highlighting the CM's repeated use of the phrase "Congress did it" as an escape clause, Ibobi pointed out that Biren never acknowledges development of infrastructure, institutions, medical facilities, universities, and other projects under the then Congress government and advised the incumbent CM to focus on resolving the crisis and protecting public lives instead of making malicious claims.
Reflecting on the recent Lok Sabha election results, Ibobi stated that'the victory of the Congress candidates was a triumph for the people of Manipur and truth.
He urged the BJP not to engage in low-level politics and reminded that the Congress party respects the public mandate, understanding that victory and defeat are natural in politics.
Recalling the separatist movement in Mizoram, Ibobi noted how the Congress government at that time played a pivotal role.
Despite suppressing the movement, Congress party ultimately allowed the formation of a government led by Mizo National Front leader Laldenga, even at the cost of sacrificing its own government in the state.
Throughout this period, Congress party steadfastly refused the demand to amalgamate Churachandpur with Mizoram, demonstrating its commitment to the unity and integrity of Manipur.
Ibobi emphasised that the BJP should recognise and understand this unwavering stance for the unity and integrity of Manipur.
He further stated that Manipur is at a crossroads, facing an existential threat, and urged the CM to fulfil his duties as the state's leader instead of wasting valuable time over propagating false propaganda.
Regarding the situation in Jiribam, Ibobi questioned why the government failed to implement adequate measures to prevent escalation of violence despite having intelligence reports.
He criticised the CM for neglecting such crucial responsibilities and instead focusing on slandering others over the election defeat while calling it a shameful diversion of attention from important duties.
Commenting on the recent ambush on the CM's advance security team on NH 37, Ibobi called it an unfortunate incident.
He criticised the state government for not taking pre-emptive security measures to prevent such attacks and questioned why the advance security team was sent without sanitising the route.
According to Ibobi, this incident highlights the failure of both the central and state governments.
Instead of protecting civilians, government forces are relocating them from their homes, which he described as a clear sign of a failed administration that is unable to safeguard the lives and properties of the people.
The press conference was also attended by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra, Congress Working Committee member Gaikhangam, deputy CLP leader K Ranjit, former PCC president and ex-minister N Loken, and MLA Th Lokeshwar.
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